Find Your Happy at the SC State Fair in Columbia

With the State Fair’s marketing slogan surrounded around “Find Your Happy,” you know you’re going to have a blast at this year’s state fair in Columbia, SC. Located at 1200 Rosewood Drive, you’ll experience an upbeat atmosphere, exhilarating rides, delicious elephant ears, and splendid performances. Opening Oct. 9th, you don’t want to be the last one to find your happy! Get all the information you need below:

by Lady Dragonfly CC

General Information about the State Fair

Opening day admission is just $1 for ages 6 and over; children under age 5 are free every day. Admission after opening day is $10, with advance discount tickets available online. Military personnel and seniors are also eligible for discounted tickets.

The fair’s hours of operation vary depending on the day. The daily gate schedule is as follows:

Wednesday 10/9: Noon-10pm

Thursday 10/10: 10am-10pm

Friday 10/11: 10am-10pm

Saturday 10/12: 9am-10pm

Sunday 10/13: Noon-10pm

Monday 10/14: 10am-10pm

Tuesday 10/15: 10am-10pm

Wednesday 10/16: 10am-10pm

Thursday 10/17: 10am-10pm

Friday 10/18: 10am-10pm

Saturday 10/19: 9am-10pm

Sunday 10/20: Noon-9pm

The midway and exhibit opening times may vary from the gate schedule.

Entertainment at the State Fair

The Pepsi Grandstand will host several major acts this year. The schedule of entertainers is:

Wednesday, 10/9 @ 7pm
The Band Perry- tickets are $30 and includes gate admission

There are also free stage shows available at the Abernathy Arena, the Cantey Building, and several other locations. Some of the shows include the Border Collie Exhibition, Andes Cosmos, Swifty Swine Racing Pigs, and Capital City Cloggers.

Fair Rides

The South Carolina State Fair has rides for every age group. From the traditional “Big Wheel” to the spinning ride “Crazy Mouse” to the high-flying ride “Speed”, there’s plenty of fun to fill up the whole day. On weekdays, the POP (Pay-One-Price) pass is $23 if purchased in advance, $28 at the gate. On weekends, you can purchase individual ride tickets for $1.25 each, 22 tickets for $25, or 55 tickets for $60. You also have the option of purchasing a Midway Express Access Pass for $15, which allows riders to go to the front of the line on any NAME (North American Midway Entertainment) rides.

Fair Food

Traditional fair food like pretzels, popcorn, and fried dough are available. If you are looking to try something new, consider the Mr. Elvis Corn Dog, which has a banana bread batter with peanut butter dipping sauce, or the Mac & Cheese Burger available at Daley’s.